Epidendrum quinquepartitum

Also known as: The 5 in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The 5 is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae. The name refers to the 5 lobed lip.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 130cm. Each new growth has numerous erect lance shaped leaves that grow to 2.5-18cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 130cm

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Treefern
• Spaghnum Moss

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 20mm to 150mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 63% to 78%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 6C to 23C, highest in June (13C to 23C) and lowest in January (6C to 15C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Keep moisture levels up during hot weather as the plant is prone to dehydration

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.